KOTA KINABALU: A proposal to limit the Sabah Chief Minister’s term to two terms is nothing new and is now being recycled by Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) as a political gimmick ahead of the state election, says Sri Tanjong assemblyman Justin Wong.

Wong, who is from Parti Warisan, said the idea had already been put forward in 2021 when Pakatan Harapan signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the current Chief Minister, Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor, which included a two-term cap for the Chief Minister’s post.

“But during their five-year administration, despite having a two-thirds majority in the state assembly, they didn’t do anything to implement this proposal.

“Now that the election is approaching, suddenly they’re bringing it up again as if it’s a fresh promise. Isn’t this misleading the people?” he said.

He was responding to a recent statement by GRS deputy secretary-general Datuk Armizan Mohd Ali, who is also the Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Minister, that the proposal would be included in GRS’ election manifesto.

Wong questioned why the GRS-led state government failed to pursue the constitutional amendment earlier if they were truly committed to reform.

“They had the numbers. Why didn’t they do it then? Why only now?” he asked.

He also criticised Armizan, who is the Papar MP, for using what he called “sweet slogans” that do not translate into actual improvements in people’s lives.

“On paper, their words may sound good, but is our life today really better? The government isn’t the one who gets to answer that — the people are the ones living the reality,” he said.

He said that despite Sabah’s natural resources and strategic location, the state remained one of the poorest, still grappling with poor infrastructure, power and water cuts, bad roads and inadequate basic services.

Wong urged Sabahans to take inspiration from Sarawak in electing local leaders who are genuinely focused on their people’s welfare.

“This time, let’s give the mandate to a local party, Parti Warisan, to take up the responsibility. Warisan is inclusive, diverse and independent of peninsula-based political agendas,” he said.

Hajiji, who will be leading GRS into the upcoming state election for a second term, had recently told party members that the next term would be his last.